Handheld computer with pop-up user interface

ABSTRACT

A method and system for inputting text information to a handheld computer is provided. A graffiti area or keyboard can be displayed in response to a switch. The switch can be a pressure activated switch on a side of the device.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Handheld computing devices, “palmtops,” “palmhelds,” personaldigital assistants (PDAs), or handheld computers typically weigh lessthan a pound and fit in a pocket. These handhelds generally provide somecombination of personal information management, database functions, wordprocessing, and spreadsheets as well as voice memo recording, wirelesse-mail, and wireless telephony functions. Because of the small size andportability of handhelds, strict adherence to hardware constraints suchas memory and processor size must be maintained.

[0002] Conventional handheld computing devices can include a display andscreen or touch screen. The display is provided behind the touch screen.A portion of the display can be dedicated for an entry area or userinterface which allows a user to input text to the handheld computingdevice. For example, various conventional handheld computing devicesmanufactured by Palm, Inc. include a graffiti pad in a fixed location onits touch screen. The graffiti pad can include an area for providingletters (text) and an area for providing numbers (text) and can furtherinclude handwriting recognition software to interpret the user inputs.For example, the Palm® III device and Palm® V device include a graffitipad fixed to a bottom quarter of the display. Letters and numbers can beinput using a stylus or finger. The fixed graffiti area requires spaceon the display and touch pad. Further, the fixed graffiti area cannot beenlarged if necessary.

[0003] In addition, conventional handheld computing devices manufacturedby Palm, Inc. include a keyboard interface duplicating a QWERTY-stylekeyboard that is selectively provided on the display. The keyboardinterface is displayed in response to the selection of a keyboard optionfrom a menu and/or an icon when an input is provided. Therefore, wheninputting data a user can select the keyboard interface through whichtext can be entered. With the Palm, after the user selects a key markeddone on the keyboard, the keyboard is no longer displayed.

[0004] Other conventional handheld computing devices such as handheldcomputing devices manufactured by Hewlett Packard have included a pop-upuser interface icon. A floating icon on the screen is touched. One suchdevice is the HP Omni-Go device. Therefore, by user request, a devicethrough software can provide a box which floats on the screen. However,a user was often confused because the placement of the small floatingicon is difficult to predict on the screen.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for a dynamic user interface which can beremoved or enlarged on the display/touch screen of a handheld computingdevice. Further, there is a need for an elegant way for engaging oractivating a user interface area such as a keyboard or a graffiti area.Further, there is a need for a graffiti area that can be moved and canhave multiple sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An exemplary embodiment relates to a handheld computer system.The handheld computer system includes a switch, a user interface, ahousing, and a display. The display is supported by the housing. Theuser interface includes a text entry area. The text entry area isactivated in response to the manipulation of the switch, the switchbeing a non-display element.

[0007] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of interfacingwith the handheld computer system. The handheld computer system includesa display and a touch pad. The method includes manipulating a userinterface device to cause a suitable area for receiving handwrittencharacters to be displayed on the display above or behind the touch padand providing handwritten characters on the touch pad and the means foractivating and deactivating is not located on the display.

[0008] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a user interface for ahandheld computer system. The handheld computer system includes adisplay and a touch pad. The user interface includes means for receivinghandwritten characters on the touch pad and means for activating anddeactivating the means for receiving, wherein the means for receiving isreduced in size or removed from the display when deactivated wherein theuser interface device is not located on the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention will become more fully understood from thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements, in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a schematic general block diagram of a handheld computerincluding a display and a touch screen, the display and the touch screenproviding a text entry area that can be activated and deactivated inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram representative of the operation of thehandheld computer illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the handheldcomputer illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a display with a lateralpressure-sensitive switch for activating and deactivating the text entryarea entry area activated;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the handheldcomputer illustrated in FIG. 3 showing an activated text entry area;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the handheldcomputer illustrated in FIG. 1 with an elongated switch for activatingand deactivating the text entry area, in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the handheldcomputer illustrated in FIG. 1 with a switch for activating anddeactivating the text entry area, the text entry area occupying a topportion of the display and touch screen in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment, showing a user interface;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the handheldcomputer illustrated in accordance with yet another exemplaryembodiment, with a switch for activating the text entry area, the textentry area being of variable sizes, wherein the interface area isprovided at a top of the screen;

[0017]FIG. 8 is a schematic planar front elevation view of the handheldcomputer illustrated in FIG. 1 with a circular switch for activating anddeactivating the text entry area in accordance with yet anotherexemplary embodiment, wherein the interface area is provided in multiplesizes; and

[0018]FIG. 9 is a planar front elevation view of a handheld computerillustrated in FIG. 1 with a switch on lateral sides of the computer,the switch being for activation and deactivation of the text entry area,in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a handheld computer 100 is depictedaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Handheld computer 100 may includePalm style computers manufactured by Palm, Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif.Other exemplary embodiments may include Windows CE handheld computers,or other handheld computers and personal digital assistants, as well asmobile telephones, web access phones, pagers, and other mobile computingor communication devices. Computer 100 can include a user interface 102,a processor 104, and a display 114. User interface 103 provides data orcommands to processor 104 which controls display 114. Interface 102 caninclude a switch 119, function keys 112, as well as a text entry area118 provided on display 114 (see FIG. 3).

[0020] Computer 100 can include a user interface 102, a processor 104,and a display 114. User interface 102 provides data or commands toprocessor 104 which controls display 114. Interface 102 can include aswitch 119, function keys 112 as well as a text entry area 118 providedon display 114 (see FIG. 3).

[0021] Preferably, handheld computer 100 includes interactive hardwareand software that performs functions such as maintaining calendars,phone lists, task lists, note pads, calculator applications,spreadsheets, games, video files, and other applications capable ofrunning on a computing device. Further, handheld computer 100 may beconfigured for such functions as voice memo recording and playback aswell as communications network connectivity, Internet connectivity,wireless messaging, e-mail, always-on e-mail, and wireless telephony. Inone embodiment, computer 100 includes at least the functionality of thePALM® M105, PALM® 111, PALM® V, PALM® M505, PALM® M500, or PALM® VIIseries handled computing devices.

[0022] Handheld computer 100, depicted in FIG. 3, includes a pluralityof input function keys 112 and display 114 having graphical userinterface features. Display 114 can be a monochrome or color LED displayor OLED display. Display 114 may be provided with a touch screeninterface that allows a user to select and alter displayed content usinga pointer, such as but not limited to a stylus, a pen tip, a fingertip,or other pointing devices.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in an exemplary embodiment, display114 also includes a data entry area, such as, area 118 for tracingalpha-numeric characters as input. Area 118 can be a Graffiti™ textentry (or other handwriting recognition software) area optionallyincluding a first portion for entering letters (text) and a secondportion for entering numbers (text).

[0024] A plurality of input icons 116 for performing automated orpreprogrammed functions may be provided on a portion of display 114(see, e.g., FIG. 4). Display 114 can also include a text entry area,such as a keyboard provided on display 114 designating areas of thetouch screen interface for particular letters. The keyboard can beaccessible via switch 119 discussed below or through a menu or iconactivated command.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 100 may include anintegrated antenna 120 (FIG. 3) configured to transmit and receivewireless communication signals, such as, but not limited to, cellulartelephone communication signals and other radio frequency (RF)communications signals using an RF transceiver. Antenna 120 may furtherinclude an indicator light 122 integrated into antenna 120 forindicating the transmission and reception of wireless communicationsignals. Further, light 122 may be used to indicate other states ofhandheld computer 100.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 100 also includesnavigation buttons 124 that may be utilized for navigating or scrollingof information displayed on display 114. Further, navigation buttons 124may be programmed for other uses depending on the application running onhandheld computer 100. Handheld computer 100 may be used for any of avariety of wireless communications, including, but not limited to,communications with the World Wide Web, mobile telephone communications,e-mail communications, etc.

[0027] Advantageously, handheld computer 100 includes a switch 119 foractivating and deactivating a text entry area such as entry area 118.Switch 119 can be a variety of devices for indicating whether entry area118 should be activated or deactivated. For example, switch 119 can be apressure activated switch or sensor, a push button, a mechanical switch,a sliding switch, a space bar type switch, a capacitive sensor, or othermanipulatable device.

[0028] Computer 100 can be designed to operate in a toggle mode in whichswitch 119 is pressed or engaged to cause entry area 118 to appear ondisplay 114. Display 114 continues to display entry area 118 untilswitch 119 is engaged again or another switch is manipulated.

[0029] The toggle mode is particularly advantageous for users who onlyhave one hand free, are disabled, or otherwise cannot engage switch 119while entering data into writing section 118. Alternatively, entry area118 can be made to disappear by touching a box, or other symbol in thewriting area. In another embodiment, computer 100 operates in anon-toggle mode in which entry area 118 is continuously displayed asswitch 119 is engaged. Once switch 119 is no longer engaged, entry area118 is removed from display 114. In the non-toggle mode, ergonomicefficiency is enhanced as area 118 pops-up in response to switch 119being engaged when the user picks up computer 100 is in a writingposition.

[0030] Preferably, computer 100 includes software for causing entry area118 to be activated or deactivated in response to the manipulations ofswitch 119. Preferably, switch 119 is a pressure activated sensor orswitch located on a side housing of handheld computer 100.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, operation of system 100 isdescribed below. At a step 200, a user engages a portion of userinterface 102 such as switch 119 to begin entry of text in area 118.When switch 118 of user interface 102 is engaged, entry area 118 isdisplayed on display 114 at step 204. Entry area 118 can be displayed ina variety of sizes and a variety of locations. For example, display 118can be provided as a keyboard, or a graffiti area at a bottom or top ofdisplay 114. In another example, display 204 can cause an applicationarea of display 114 to scroll up as entry area 118 is displayed onbottom of display 114. Entry area 118 can appear in a pop-up effect orbe scrolled from a top, side or bottom.

[0032] At a step 206, text such as letters or numbers or symbols can beentered on area 118. After the user enters text in step 206, the usercan release switch 119 or at a step 208 to cause entry area to beremoved from display at a step 210. Alternatively, the user canmanipulate switch 119 again to cause entry area 118 to be removed ortouch another portion of user interface 118.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3-9, various embodiments are shownincluding switch 119 of various shapes and sizes and entry area 118 ofvarious sizes and placements on display 114. Further, switch 119 can beplaced at various locations on computer 100. The embodiment shown inFIGS. 3-9 can be combined with each other without departing from thescope of the invention. Although shown as examples, the embodiments ofFIGS. 3-9 are examples only and are not by any means the only examplesof writing areas 118 and switches 119.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, handheld computer 100 is shownwith switch 119 disengaged (FIG. 3) and with switch 119 engaged (FIG.4). In FIG. 3, switch 119 is a pressure sensitive switch located on atleast one lateral side 121 of computer 100. The use of switch 119 allowsthe user to immediately engage entry area 119 without having to look foran icon on display 114.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 4, when lateral side 121 is deformed dueto pressure provided by user, entry area 118 is displayed upon a bottomportion of display 114. In another embodiment, lateral side 121 is notdeformed in response to pressure, however switch 118 senses pressure.One example of a pressure sensitive switch can be a substantivedeformation of lateral side 121. Computer 100 can be configured to sensethe application of a squeezing motion by the user.

[0036] Handheld computer 100 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is preferably operative innon-toggle mode in which area 118 is only displayed as switch 118 isengaged or senses pressure. In this way, when computer 100 is held andsqueezed by a user in one hand, entry area 118 is provided which allowstext to be entered by the other hand of the user. Such an elegantapproach allows the user to engage and disengage the entry area 118 inresponse to natural motions associated with picking up handheld computer100 and writing or pressing keys.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 5, handheld computer 100 includes switch119 embodied as a spacebar switch or elongated switch on a side 123handheld computer 100. Alternatively, switch 119 can be provided on abottom surface or a lateral surface of handheld computer 100.

[0038] In this embodiment, computer 100 can operate in a toggled ornon-toggled mode. In the toggled mode, when switch 119 is pressed suchas by the thumb of the user as computer 100 is held, entry area 118 isdisplayed on screen 114. When switch 119 is released or disengaged,entry area 118 disappears. In a toggled-mode, when switch 119 is pressedonce, entry area 118 is displayed until switch 119 is pressed again.Computer 100 can be configured for use in the toggle or non-toggle mode.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 6, handheld computer 100 includes a switch119 which is provided on a side 125 of computer 100. Switch 118 in FIG.6 is not quite as elongated as in FIG. 5. In addition, handheld computer100 is configured so that entry area 118 is provided on a top portion ofdisplay 114, rather than on a bottom portion as shown in FIGS. 1-5.

[0040] Alternatively, entry area 118 can be provided on a middle portionof display 114 or a side portion of display 114. In one embodiment, thelocation of entry area 118 can be configured through a menu selection orby dragging area 118 to a desired location.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 7, handheld computer 100 utilizes any ofbuttons 112, 120 or 124 to provide entry area 118. In this embodiment,buttons 112 or 124 operate as switch 119. Further, in FIG. 7, handheldcomputer 100 includes an enlarged entry area 118 which does not includeicons such as icons 116 shown in FIGS. 1-6. Preferably, entry area 118includes icons such as boxes 127 provided on screen 114 to indicate thesize of entry area 118. For example, in FIG. 7, two sizes areselectable, such as a size associated with entry area 118 in FIG. 6 anda size associated with entry area 118 in FIG. 7. A third box can beutilized to make entry area 118 disappear.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 8, handheld computer 100 includes acircular push button switch 119 located at a top portion 131 of computer100. With reference to FIG. 9, switch 119 extends from a lateral side121 and 137. In FIG. 9, switch 119 can be a slidable switch, or adeformable push switch or a pressure sensor. Computer 100 in FIG. 9 canoperate in a toggle or non-toggle mode.

[0043] While the detailed drawings, specific examples and particularformulations given describe preferred and exemplary embodiments, theyserve the purpose of illustration only. The inventions disclosed are notlimited to the specific forms shown. For example, the methods may beperformed in any of a variety of sequence of steps. The hardware andsoftware configurations shown an described may differ depending on thechosen performance characteristics and physical characteristics of thecomputing devices. For example, the type of computing device,communication bus, or processor used may differ. The systems methodsdepicted and described are not limited to the precise details andconditions disclosed. Furthermore, other substitutions, modifications,changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions,and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from thescope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld computer system, comprising: a switch;a user interface; a housing; and a display supported by the housing,wherein the user interface includes an information entry area, whereinthe information entry area is activated in response to manipulation ofthe switch the switch being a non-display element.
 2. The handheldcomputer system of claim 1, wherein the information entry area isdeactivated in response to manipulation of the switch.
 3. The handheldcomputer system of claim 2 wherein the switch includes two actions: afirst manipulation of the switch to activate the information entry areaand a second manipulation of the switch to deactivate the informationentry area.
 4. The handheld computer system of claims 1, 2, or 3 whereinthe switch is part of a touch pad associated with the display, a squeezeswitch associated with the housing, or a button associated with thehousing.
 5. The handheld computer system of claims 1, 2, or 3 whereinthe switch is a squeeze switch.
 6. The handheld computer system ofclaims 1, 2, or 3 wherein the information entry area is a pop-up menu.7. The handheld computer system of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein theinformation entry area has at least two sizes when activated.
 8. A userinterface for a handheld computer system, the handheld computer systemcomprising a display and a touch pad, the user interface comprising:means for receiving information at the touch pad and the display; andmeans for activating and deactivating the means for receiving, whereinthe means for receiving is reduced in size or removed from the displaywhen deactivated and the means for activating and deactivating is notlocated on the display.
 9. The user interface means of claim 8 whereinthe means for receiving is at least one of a graffiti area, a pictorialrepresentation of a keyboard, an area to accept a drawing, and an areaassigned for entering information into the handheld computer system. 10.The user interface means of claim 8 wherein the handwritten charactersinclude numbers or letters.
 11. The user interface means of claim 9wherein the handwritten characters include numbers or letters.
 12. Theuser interface of claim 8 wherein the means for receiving is removedfrom the display when activated.
 13. The user interface of claims 9, 10,11, or 12 wherein the means for activating and deactivating includes asqueeze switch.
 14. The user interface of claims 9, 10, 11, or 12wherein the means for activating and deactivating is integrated into aportion of a housing of the handheld computer.
 15. The user interface ofclaims 13 wherein the means for activating and deactivating isintegrated into a portion of a housing of the handheld computer.
 16. Theuser interface of claim 14 wherein the means for activating anddeactivating includes a symbol.
 17. The user interface of claim 14wherein the means for activating and deactivating includes a symbol is afixed symbol.
 18. A method of interfacing with a handheld computersystem, the handheld computer system comprising a display and a touchpad, the method comprising: manipulating a user interface device tocause a suitable area for receiving handwritten characters to bedisplayed on the display above or behind the touch pad; and providinginformation entry on the touch pad, wherein the user interface device isnot located on the display.
 19. The method of claim 18 furthercomprising: manipulating the user interface device to cause the suitablearea to be removed from the display.
 20. The method of claim 18 whereinthe user interface device is a mechanical switch.
 21. The method ofclaim 20 wherein the mechanical switch is a squeeze switch integrated ina housing of the handheld computer system.
 22. The method of claims 19,20, or 21 wherein the suitable area is at least one of a pop-up graffitiarea, a pictorial representation of a keyboard, an area to accept adrawing, and an area assigned for entering information into the handheldcomputer system.